From undrafted free agent to a 409-game NHL veteran, the journeyman blueliner hangs up his skates following a productive 12-year career across six different professional organizations.
The Milwaukee Admirals will be without one of their top defensemen and an assistant captain this season as Jordan Oesterle announced his retirement on Monday.
The announcement was made via O2K Sports Management, Oesterle's representation, on X, formerly Twitter.
"Jordan, you showed the hockey world that hard work pays off. From going undrafted as a college free agent to creating a 12 year pro hockey career, there's no doubt you left your impact on the game and serve as an inspiration to others looking to follow in your footsteps," The post said. "Congratulations on a great career, and thank you for letting us be a part of your journey."
Oesterle had reached the end of a two-year, $1.55 million contract, originally signed by the Boston Bruins in 2024, but was claimed by the Nashville Predators after he was waived by Boston on May 5, 2025.
He's played in just 16 games over the last two seasons in Nashville, totaling four points off three goals and an assist. Oesterle played in 69 games with the Admirals last season, totaling 46 points off 14 goals and 32 assists.
Undrafted out of college, Oesterle signed with the Edmonton Oilers at the end of the 2013-14 season. He spent five seasons in Oilers system, splitting time between Edmonton and Oklahoma City, which eventually became Bakersfield.
Oesterle then signed as a free agent with the Chicago Blackhawks for the 2017-18 season. The preceding offseason, he was traded to the Arizona Coyotes along with Marian Hossa's contract, Vinnie Hinostroza and a 2019 third-round pick.
The 2018-19 season was the best of Oesterle's career, recording a career-best 20 points off six goals and 14 assists, and playing in a career-best 71 games.
He played with the Coyotes through the end of the 2020-21 season, then signed as a free agent with the Detroit Red Wings. After two years in Detroit, Oesterle signed as a free agent in Calgary, where he split time between the Flames and Wranglers.
Oesterle then signed a two-year, two-way contract with Boston before getting waived and landing in Nashville.
Over his career, he totaled 409 NHL games, scoring 23 goals and 73 assists for 96 points.
Internationally, he won a bronze medal with the United States' World Championship team in 2018, playing in one game.
